The reason why I initially got into yoga was because I needed some way to stretch and avoid injuries from running, without actually stretching.  Through my journey in doing yoga, I have absolutely fallen in love with the practice. It has not only opened my shoulders, hips, and hammies, but also my mind. Yoga allows the body and mind to work together, become strong, and flow freely.  

1. Begin in a squat position, with your knees bent, thighs as parallel to the ground as possible, and back straight, keeping your arms straight at your sides.

2. Power through your legs and jump as high off of the ground as possible. 
Land as softly as possible, back into your original squat position. 

Repeat for 3 sets of 10-20 reps.

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich 

Repeat this move for 20 reps, and incorporate into your abs routine.  

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich 

The extended hand-to-big-toe pose challenges your balance and flexibility.  It is a great hip opener and helps you to find your center of gravity.  I have found this pose to be extremely helpful in loosening up my hips, hamstrings, and calves from my running.

To come out of the pose, bend the right knee, and slowly lower the right leg to the ground, finding mountain pose.  Repeat on the other side.

When I first began yoga, I never dreamed of accomplishing arm balances such as this one.  The more I went to classes and practiced, it became a euphoric addiction to push myself to the next level and use my inner and outer strength to trust myself and come into poses like firefly.  I learned, that with the right attitude and appropriate steps taught by my instructors, anything is possible... so, you can do it too!  Try the below steps.

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich

This move targets so many different muscles in the body which will help to get your heart pumping and increase your metabolism.  You will feel lots of work going on in the thigh of the standing leg by balancing and keeping the knee lifted. In your extended back leg, you will be working your hamstrings and butt.  The rear fly part of this move targets your shoulders and upper back.

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich

I, myself, have always dreamed of escaping the confines of a routine life which most others find comforting and stable. I never quite understood why our society places so much value in settling down right after college with a "good job" -which is generally defined by a secure position within a large corporation with health benefits and blah blah blah.  Well, that sounds boring, doesn't it?  

The time right after college is the most valuable time we have to get out and experience life! So I think, why not take advantage of it?  Sure, it may be a little scary to leave a way of life that many of us grew up with, or were told we needed to have when we "grow up".  Well, I don't know about you, but it's not time for me to "grow up" quite yet.

Reading this article published on Adventure Journal about a couple who left their stable lives to explore what else is out there gave me all the confidence and inspiration I have ever needed to do the same for myself.  Enjoy this wonderful story!

Why would a seemingly intelligent young professional couple sell all of their belongings and move out of their downtown Vancouver, B.C., condo to move into a truck? That answer’s obvious. The tougher one is, how to overcome the inertia and get on the road?

This is a great move to work those quads, stretch your hip flexors, and to also to get in a bit of a cardio workout.

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich

There are plenty of people out there who are all trying to do the same thing: find a balance between leading a healthy lifestyle, staying motivated at work, and maintaining a stable social and family life.  I often have friends coming to me saying, "I feel like I've fallen out of my routine and can't get back on track", seeking advice on what to do to get back on the health and fitness bandwagon.